Queens United Chess Podcast

Queens United Chess Podcast

by Queens United Chess

Season 2

Meet WIM Isabelle Ning

In this episode of our podcast, Zara interviews WIM Isabelle Ning of New Zealand about her journey from young chess prodigy to international competitor. Isabelle shares insights on earning her titles, representing New Zealand, overcoming challenges, and inspiring the next generation of girls in chess through hard work, confidence, and perseverance.

Queen’s Advice Corner | The Best Thing You Can Do in Chess Isn’t Winning

In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on choosing not to play in the National Championship and how that decision became a lesson in leadership and giving back. From balancing IB exams to supporting her students through Queens United Chess, she shares why creating opportunities for others can be just as powerful as competing yourself. A thoughtful reminder that true impact isn’t just about winning, it’s about inspiring the next generation.

Meet WFM Laksshana Deepak

In this episode of our podcast, Zara speaks with WFM Laksshana Deepak about her journey from youth tournaments to earning her WFM title after an undefeated run at the North American Youth Championship. They discuss her rapid rating growth, representing Canada internationally, and how leadership roles in community chess have shaped her development. A powerful conversation about ambition, service, and impact beyond the board.

What Becoming National Champion Really Took

In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on what it truly took to become the Cayman Islands National Female Chess Champion. Beyond the title and trophy, she shares the unseen reality: balancing the IB Diploma Programme (HL Math, Physics, and Chemistry), serving as President of the Cayman Islands’ first-ever Rotary Central Interact Club, leading within Protect Our Future, mentoring through Queens of Tomorrow and Checkmate Betul, and still committing to late-night chess preparation. From bouncing back after a 4.5/9 result at the CAC Youth Chess Festival to pushing through exhaustion, self-doubt, and academic pressure, this episode reveals the discipline, resilience, and consistency behind the success.

Queen’s Advice Corner | Bad Tournaments Happen - Here’s How to Bounce Back Stronger:

In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on a tough tournament at the CAC Youth Chess Festival in Puerto Rico, where she finished with 4.5/9. She talks honestly about why bad tournaments are normal, how they don’t define your ability, and shares practical steps to bounce back stronger. This episode is a reassuring reminder that growth in chess and in life comes from resilience, reflection, and never giving up.

Meet Chika & Angel Pride

In this uplifting episode, WCM Zara Majid sits down with Bahamian sisters Chika and Angel Pride; one a rising WCM and national champion, the other a young FIDE Arbiter and girls-in-chess advocate. They share how they discovered chess, what it’s like growing in the sport together, and the lessons they’ve learned through playing, organizing, and inspiring girls across the Caribbean. Packed with fun stories, sisterhood, and motivation, this episode shows how family, friendship, and confidence can shape your journey both on and off the board.

Queen’s Advice Corner | Confidence Over the Board

In this episode, WCM Zara Majid shares how stepping into the toughest section of the International Cayman Islands Chess Classic taught her the true meaning of confidence. As the youngest and only female player in the Open Section, she pushed past fear, faced stronger opponents, and proved to herself that she belonged there. Zara shows that confidence isn’t about being fearless, it’s about taking the leap anyway. A reminder that with courage, willingness, and belief in yourself, there is always a way forward.

Queen’s Advice Corner | The Sisterhood of Chess

In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, WCM Zara Majid shares how chess has helped her make incredible friendships all around the world, from the Caribbean to Canada, India, South Africa, and beyond. She reflects on being featured in the ChessKid Girls Club, and how the platform has built a true sisterhood in chess, where girls lift each other up, celebrate every win, and remind one another that the best part of the game isn’t just checkmates… it’s connection.

Queen’s Advice Corner | Stay Calm Under Pressure

WCM Zara Majid shares a lesson from the Youth Olympiad in Colombia, where time pressure led to a painful blunder. Learn how to stay calm, use your increment, and think clearly — even when the clock is ticking!

Queen’s Advice Corner | What is my Opponent’s Threat?

WCM Zara Majid shares a lesson from a recent tournament where she lost a pawn to a simple pin because she forgot to ask herself one crucial question: “What is my opponent’s threat?” Inspired by Anatoly Karpov’s habit of asking this before every move, Zara explains how this practice can help players avoid blunders. She breaks it down into practical steps — scanning for new threats each turn, asking why the opponent made their move, and checking for checks, captures, and threats. She ends by challenging listeners to use this habit in their own games to play stronger and avoid preventable mistakes.

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